10 February

 Visiting the Forest and Wetlands on a dark, drizzly February day.

Even on this morning, which looked less than inviting when we set out, the forest has its beauty, and the fragrance of wet woodlands is itself an enchantment.  It was in any case, a light rain as we walked toward the marsh.  

The abundant bloom of fungi of recent months hasn't entirely subsided.

Some long-stay residents remain,

and there are some recently emerged.

...or perhaps "more recently observed."  There's so much to see here, that it's certainly possible to overlook detail.

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, the moss harp flourishes.

The woodpecker stump continues to shrink.

And, alas, the mossy muppet has had his jaw drop.

It was rainier out at the Marsh--but not enough to drive us away.  The water level was high--

When we arrived, a small flock of mallards swam about near the end of the dock.

I'm often struck at what expressive features birds can have.  This female mallard looks so pleasant!

and she and her mate seem like a truly amiable pair.

Four ring-necked ducks paddled about at the far end of the marsh.

The rain intensified, and we decided it was time to make our way back through the forest.  It hardly seemed to be raining in the forest among the sheltering trees.  

Winter's hold on the Wetlands and Forest does seem to be relaxing a bit.  We'll enjoy watching spring's advent.